Xanthos & Letoon

Xanthos and Letoon are two of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Lycia and together provide a remarkable insight into the political, religious and cultural life of the region. Located near the western edge of Antalya Province, the two sites are closely connected and are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Xanthos Ancient City was one of the principal cities of the Lycian civilisation and played an important role as a political and administrative centre. Over the centuries, the city came under Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine influence, creating a rich archaeological landscape with monuments from different periods. Among the most notable remains at Xanthos are Lycian tombs, monumental pillars, a theatre, an agora and sections of the ancient city walls. The distinctive funerary monuments are especially important for understanding Lycian culture and architecture. The city is also known for inscriptions that have contributed significantly to the study of the Lycian language and history. These archaeological remains reflect the cultural identity of Lycia as well as its interaction with neighbouring civilisations. A short distance from Xanthos lies Letoon Sanctuary, the principal religious centre of ancient Lycia. The sanctuary was dedicated mainly to the goddess Leto and her children, Apollo and Artemis, and served as an important sacred gathering place for Lycian communities. Visitors can see the remains of temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis, together with a sacred spring and other structures connected with religious ceremonies. Letoon is also famous for the Trilingual Inscription, written in Lycian, Ancient Greek and Aramaic, which has been especially valuable for understanding the Lycian language. Together, Xanthos Ancient City and Letoon Sanctuary reveal two complementary sides of ancient Lycian civilisation: Xanthos as a major political and urban centre, and Letoon as its important religious sanctuary. Their monuments, inscriptions and historical significance make them among the most valuable archaeological destinations in the Kaş and western Antalya region.